BROADCASTERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The global integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media is revolutionising broadcast media production, but there are still regional and ethical challenges. While Al can boost efficiency and creativity in broadcast development, infrastructure, ethical and language-related factors limit adoption in South-East Nigerian broadcasters. This research sought to understand broadcasters’ attitudes towards the benefits of Al, the barriers to adopting it and to explore how to integrate Al in an ethical and inclusive manner. Data were collected via surveys of 384 radio content creators from 63 state, federal and private radio stations in the five South-East states of Nigeria, and Key Informant Interviews (KII) with nine managing directors. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and the six-phase approach for thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The results showed a positive attitude towards the use of Al, with practitioners acknowledging efficiency and creativity gains but with concerns about ethics, job loss and cultural fit. Responsible and incremental integration of Al can boost broadcast productivity. Ongoing training programs, localizing Al technologies and policy guidelines by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) are advised.

KEYWORDS

Artificial intelligence, broadcasting, perceptions, Nigeria, South-East, media ethics, content development